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ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY

Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act [5 ILCS 140] provides public access to government documents and records. This Act defines public records as "all records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communications, recorded information, and all other documentary materials pertaining to the transaction of public business, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared by or for, or having been or being used by, received by, in the possession of, or under the control of any public body."

Some records are not subject to release via the FOIA process. These types of records are described under 5 ILCS 140, Section 7 (1) (a) thru (y). Additionally, some records may be subject to confidentiality provisions imposed by other state statutes. The FOIA process for disclosure of information does not supercede these other applicable statutory and judicial mandates.